Abstract: An improved ducted-fan type snowmaking machine and method wherein an impeller is driven at a variable speed selected to produce a variable noise level depending on the proximity of the apparatus to an inhabited area. The machine includes air stream straightening vanes for converting a spiraling stream to a linear, laminar flow stream, and a plurality of neucleating nozzles positioned within the confines of the duct.

Abstract: A recreational mountain slide is basically a double-rail track down which a wheeled cart rolls. The rails are channels of substantially rectangular cross-section laid such that each provides a top, a bottom, and an inside vertical face, each such face being substantially flat, continuous, and unobstructed throughout the length of the track. The rails are mounted on supports which are adjustable and readily removable, being attached to the rails solely along their outer vertical faces. The front wheels of the cart are steerable by the rider. Each wheel is of constant diameter throughout its width and is wider than the rail on which it runs. The wheels are restrained from sliding laterally or jumping vertically off the track by members mounted on the cart in position to bear on the inside vertical face or the bottom face, respectively, of the adjacent rail. The cart also has brakes which can bear upwardly on the bottom face of the rail.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of making snow which involves a water source, a compressed air source, a mixing chamber and an exit orifice. Compressed air and water are mixed in the chamber and then expelled into ambient air having a temperature below 32.degree. F. A continuous flow of water substantially surrounds the mixing chamber and at least a portion of the exit orifice, and the amount and temperature of this flow of water is controlled to prevent clogging of the chamber and orifice by freezing of the water and air-water mixture therein. In one form the water is circulated past the mixing chamber and a major portion thereof is fed onwardly to additional snowmaking nozzles.

Abstract: An improved snowmaking apparatus comprising a water source and an atomizing fan wherein during a snowmaking operation water is placed onto the rotating blades of an atomizing fan, the water exiting from the trailing edges of the blades as droplets, the improvement comprising providing a ducted fan behind the atomizing fan, the ducted fan during operation blowing ambient air towards and over the atomizing fan.